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Singing the Blues


I had no choice but to take a day off from the job hunt today. The internet was down and I had no car. I can take a hint. I went up to the pool, listened to some tunes, basked in the sun and tried to let it all go. Unfortunately, I was never able to let go completely. I kept hoping for the phone to ring to tell me my certification was all set for North Carolina. Needless to say, that phone call never came or this entry would be titled something much more upbeat. I do have a great tan though!

Now, I sit here at the local Starbucks sipping an iced coffee, using the internet, and once again waiting for the phone to ring. As is probably apparent to most people, I don’t do well waiting for things to happen. It is not any different waiting for a phone call. Therefore, I waited no longer and called the Benson woman to see where I stand with my certification. It is not good. It does not look like I have the coursework necessary to get my certification in Middle Level English. However, she is waiting on a call from the state to see if my Highly Qualified status will help me out. This is frustrating to me on a number of levels. The first and foremost being this is going to keep me from getting a job. Even more so because when I was in graduate school, I told my advisor I wanted to be able to get certified in Middle Level English when I was done. I took all the courses he suggested, yet I do not have what I need for the certification. The woman from Benson suggested that I take my Praxis II tests for my secondary education. It is hard to sign up for it when I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I WILL BE come testing day.

I am beginning to question if it is time for me to head to New Hampshire or, for that matter, Maine. I am certified in Maine. Meaning, I can get a job in Maine – if someone will hire me. I am expensive. With budgets tight and teachers being cut, will schools be willing to pay an extra $10,000 for someone with a Masters and 17 years of experience over a new teacher?

How do I know when it is time to give up North Carolina and change locations? The rest of the family is busy with getting on with things. Patti is settled in school and doing well running around the halls with 12oo other students. Who would have thought? Tony and Sana are busy closing up our house in Pueblo. And I sit around going stir crazy. Trying to stay focused on peace within. I do believe the rest of my family is being more successful with their tasks than I am.

What is there for me to do? I could sit around and sing the blues or I could make something happen. I do like the blues, but only when listening to a professional sing them. I refuse to let myself get down in the dumps. It is time for me to get back to applying for jobs. Time for me to visualize the signing of the contract and reach for my inner peace. 

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